Fisher called Massachusetts a "sanctuary state," saying the state spends more money on them than several neighboring states combined.

"Every year the state takes from our pocketbooks and our wallets, $1.8 billion," he said.

Although the estimate doesn't account for immigrants' contributions in the way of economic productivity or tax revenue, Fisher's figures come from the conservative Federation for American Immigration Reform, which estimates that Massachusetts is home to 190,000 people who are in the U.S. illegally.

"When I become governor, illegal immigration becomes illegal," he said.

An engineer by trade and resident of Shrewsbury, Fisher, 55, owns Merchant's Fabrication in Auburn. He labels himself a political outsider, though that may do him more harm than good in his bid for the nomination, say some local Republicans.

"Philosophically I would gather that I'm much more in tune with his thinking than I am with (Republican gubernatorial candidate) Charlie Baker," said Fred Underhill, treasurer of the Rochester Republicans, following the event. "But at least at this point, it would appear that Charlie has a much better opportunity to win the seat than Mr. Fisher does."

Asked whether he supports immigration reform, Fisher punted, saying it's a federal issue. But he said he opposes an enforcement-based approach to reducing the number of unauthorized immigrants in the state.

"I don't want to create another bureaucracy," he said. "I don't want to hire people going out there trying to track down illegal immigrants — let's just shut down the benefits. That will automatically move them to New York or some other big liberal state."

In addition to immigration, Fisher's speech focused on the problems Massachusetts faces — from an unfriendly business climate to abuse in the food stamp program — placing them squarely on the shoulder of the Democrats.

He noted that the state has lost Congressional seats over the years as a result of a lack of good candidates for office.

"If (the Democratic) policies were doing so well, businesses, people and jobs would be flocking to Massachusetts, but they're not. They're leaving, they're being driven out," Fisher said.

"In this state, especially in this state, they have made welfare so enticing, that for many people they've taken away the desire to look for work," he said. "They've made people dependent on government."

Craig Parker, chairman of the Rochester Republicans, said he liked what he heard. "I was very pleased," Parker said. "The guy looks you in the eye, he gives you facts, he tells you where he came from.

"If they stand for a smaller government and against illegal immigration, if you (support) law and order... that's what America's all about. More money in your pocket, less taxes."

Parker said it's possible that Massachusetts would vote for a tea party governor — many conservatives don't vote Republican because the party's candidates are too liberal.

He pointed to Republicans Scott Brown and Gabriel Gomez, both of whom lost U.S. Senate races to Democrats.

"They move to the left ,and they pick up a few unenrolled votes but they lose votes from their own party," Parker said.

Following the event, Fisher walked into Flint Armament, a gun shop in the same plaza where the meeting was held. Asked if Massachusetts is ready for a conservative Republican governor, Fisher pointed to Chris Christie in New Jersey and Scott Walker in Wisconsin — both blue states.

"I'm talking about food stamps, EBT cards, illegal immigration (unemployment) "» I'm not talking about getting rid of these programs, I'm talking about taking the abuse out of them," he said.

"I think that will resonate with anyone, Democrat, independent, Republican."